Arsenal could rejoin the race for Sverre Nypan, with Aston Villa’s pursuit fading, according to reports in Norway.
Ole Sagbakken reports for Norwegian outlet Adressa that Aston Villa’s interest in signing Rosenborg midfielder Sverre Nypan has recently decreased, whilst other major clubs are actively pursuing him.
That list likely includes Arsenal and Manchester City (through sister club Girona), as the two Premier League sides were fighting it out for Nypan’s signature in the January transfer window.
Sagbakken adds that no deal is yet done, and negotiations are ongoing with multiple clubs.
David Ornstein had reported for The Athletic in April that Villa were working to close a deal for Nypan, with the club confident that the player himself was keen to join.
Yet the journalist added that neither a fee nor personal terms were agreed at that stage.
A month and a half later, it seems the situation has changed again. Perhaps Villa’s failure to qualify for the Champions League has shifted their priorities, giving them less cash to play with, or maybe it’s made them a less appealing destination for Nypan.
Ornstein also confirmed that Arsenal had pursued Nypan heavily in the January transfer window, though it’s worth mentioning that Andrea Berta’s arrival as the club’s new sporting director could affect another attempt this summer.
Arsenal had been very keen on Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia before Berta’s arrival, but they’ve since cooled their pursuit of the Spaniard. Conversely, a move for Viktor Gyokeres didn’t seem to be on the table before Berta arrived.
So Berta’s opinion on signing Nypan may end up proving pivotal.